Sparkling Gourami

Trichopsis pumila

A tiny croaking gourami that fits nano planted tanks. Excellent jumper — a tight lid and floating plants are essential.

Care Parameters

Adult size

4 cm

Min tank

40 L

Temperature

22–28°C

5–7.5

1–12 dGH

Diet

Micropredator

Temperament

Peaceful

Water zone

Top

Difficulty

Beginner

Schooling

Group of 4 or more.

Suitable Plants

Anacharis

Care profile for Anacharis: low light, none CO₂, beginner difficulty.

Duckweed

The smallest flowering plant — a tiny floating fern that doubles its coverage in days. Excellent nutrient absorber but extremely difficult to remove once established. Use with caution.

Weeping Moss

A unique aquarium moss with fronds that droop downward, creating a distinctive weeping effect. Perfect for attaching to driftwood or rock overhangs for dramatic visual impact.

Java Moss

The most popular and hardy aquarium moss. Grows on almost any surface in almost any conditions. Versatile for attaching to driftwood, rocks, or creating moss walls.

Red Rotala

Red stem plant. Turns red under high light with CO₂.

Compatible Invertebrates

Cherry Shrimp

The most popular freshwater shrimp — bright red coloration, extremely hardy, and prolific breeder. The gateway species for shrimp keeping. Tolerates a wide range of conditions.

Taiwan Bee Shrimp

A high-grade Caridina morph with bold black and white banding. One of the most prized ornamental shrimp. Requires soft, acidic water (pH 6.0-6.8, GH 4-6) and pristine conditions.

Nerite Snail

The best algae-eating snail for aquariums. Cannot reproduce in freshwater, so populations stay stable. Comes in zebra, tiger, and olive patterns. Will lay white eggs on glass.

Assassin Snail

The striped predator of the aquarium world, kept to hunt down pest snails and worms. It burrows by day and hunts by night, and will happily share a tank with fish and plants - it ignores shrimp and fish entirely. Also known as Clea helena; both names are accepted.